Express Tribune drops its international partner's front page picture

JournalismPakistan.com
January 29, 2016

ISLAMABAD - Friday's edition of The International New York Times distributed along with The Express Tribune had a big blank space on its front page - a picture dropped by the paper's partner in Pakistan.

"This picture was removed by our publishing alliance in Pakistan. The International New York Times and its editorial staff had no role in its removal," said an announcement. The photograph available on the Internet shows a gay couple kissing on a bridge in China. It was to appear alongside the story headlined: "Couple's suit is first test of gay marriage in China."

Perhaps considering local sentiments, The Express Tribune killed the picture but opted not to remove the news which is about two young men who attempt to register for marriage at a civil affairs bureau. However, they are told Chinese law does not permit same-sex marriage.

The International New York Times said the two then "did the unthinkable - they sued the civil affairs bureau." The district court accepted their case, the first time a Chinese court had agreed to hear a lawsuit on same-sex marriage.

I saw this stuffed fish on top of a fireplace, and beneath it, the caption read: “If I had kept my mouth shut, I wouldn't be here.” The glassy eyes still looked sad, like it wished it hadn't gone for the bait.